Beyond the braid: New, runway-inspired looks

This stunning style offers a fresh alternative to the classic French twist. “To begin, part hair down the center to create two sections and comb it down using a dab of pomade on your hands,” says Cucinello. “On one side, slowly twist the hair in toward your head, over your ear and all the way to the back of your head, securing along the way with a French [U-shaped] bobby pin.” Repeat on the opposite side. “Lastly, bring the two ends together into a low ponytail, divide the hair in two, twisting each section, then wrapping them around each other and pinning at the base.”

Start with smooth, flat-ironed hair to get this cool hybrid hairstyle. First, gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic band. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to cover the elastic band, fastening the end piece underneath behind the ponytail with a bobby pin, says Cucinello. Secondly, divide the ponytail in two halves. Secure an elastic band about two inches away from the base of the ponytail on each half, then take a small section of hair and wrap it around the elastic covering about two inches of the section.

Turn bobby pins into accessories with this chicly disheveled updo. First, give unwashed locks a spray of dry shampoo. Then, take a bit of pomade and run your fingers through your hair, directing it backwards. Using flat bobby pins, pin your hair back away from your face, keeping hair taut on the sides and allowing some volume in the front and on top. Once you've secured your hair, gather and twist it, says Cucinello. Insert pins as you go, creating a messy, but perfectly imperfect 'do. (The inspiration, Jason Wu's spring runway show, featured the over-the-top addition of black feathers.)

Give your look an edge with these twisted locks. “Starting with a center part, pull your hair back into two low pigtails at the nape of your neck, leaving two one-inch thick sections of hair loose on either side by your ear,” says Cucinello. “Divide each section in two, twisting them around each other and tying with an elastic, then pull it across over the top of your head and secure behind your ear like a crown.” Repeat on the opposite side. “Complete the look by creating mini twists in each pigtail, like cornrows, securing with small elastics at the ends.”

The double clip creates a sophisticated 'do that works both day and night. The best part: You can pull it off in two minutes tops! Simply smooth your hair with a flat iron and take the center section from the front and drag it straight back, pinning with a large barrette, says Cucinello.  Next, comb the sides back and combine the remaining hair together at the nape of the neck, securing with another large barrette. Spritz with a light mist of medium hold hair spray and smooth some shine spray onto the ends for a sleek finish.

This party perfect runway trend from Carolina Herrera creates sophisticated elegance with ease. “Part your hair down the center and slick back into a ponytail, but only take the tail halfway through the elastic,” says Cucinello. “Finish it off by pulling out one small section of hair from the loop and wrapping it around the base of the ponytail, then smooth with hairspray.”

Add a twist to the one-sided braid: Part your hair on one side, then gather a thin section along the hairline from the heavier side.  Split it in two and start twisting the pieces around each other, adding in a piece of hair from the top every other time, like you would a French braid, says Cucinello. Keep twisting until you reach just past your ear, then secure with a bobby pin.